Within these areas, developments will be highlighted with regard to short sea and deep sea shipping trends, EU policy with particular regard to Motorways of the Seas initiatives, dedicated freight ferries and ro-ro trade off, European ro-ro capacity analysis, the trend towards bigger vessels, innovative design, ro-ro safety and security, and the propulsion and environmental dimensions.

Beyond the opening plenary session, the programme has been split into seven core modules enabling delegates to select a programme of choice based on particular interest.

RORO 2006 has many networking and social events scheduled in addition to the conference programme, beginning even before the conference with all registered delegates eligible to take part in a tour of the Port of Ghent on the afternoon on 15 May aboard the harbour yacht Jacob Van Aertevelde.

Another networking opportunity takes place on the evening of 16 May when the Port of Ghent hosts a Welcome Reception at het Pand, the cultural centre of the University of Ghent. The unique venue is a former Dominican monastery situated in the historical city centre on the banks of the river Leie.

The conference runs in parallel with the RORO Exhibition, at which over 70 exhibitors will market products and services to the many motivated international buyers amongst the some 2,500 delegates expected to attend.

For further information, visit www. roroex. com/conference.